The Case of the Missing Mage

Gr 3–6—An action-packed detective story set in a land of monsters and magic. Tank and Fizz, monster detectives, are called upon to help their friend Aleetha, a wizard in training, discover the reason for the disappearance of mages from various disciplines. The villains make use of a cloaking spell, so the sleuths are the only two who can actually witness the kidnappings. Combining magic and technology, the trio sneak into the Shadow Tower to get to the bottom of the mystery. Two-tone illustrated panels interspersed between chapters add extra detail to what is already an action-oriented tale. While a quick pace moves the narrative along, characters are a bit flat and world-building is nonexistent. The plot is interesting but ultimately not compelling. Reluctant readers may be drawn to the illustrations as well as to the antics of the heroes, but those looking for richer detail will be unsatisfied. Give to fans of Ursula Vernon's "Dragonbreath" series or Jennifer Holm's "Squish" series.